MD/Masters Dual Degree

[tbonez71]

I wanted to make a thread on MD/MS type programs, since there isn't a whole lot of discussion on dual degrees beyond MD/PhD, MD/MBA, and MD/MPH.

As a non-trad who has worked in biotech and medical devices for the last few years, I really hope to come back to the field someday (maybe pharma even). I love applied science and the interdisciplinary nature of the industry, so I want to get additional education to round out my skills. There are some amazing specialized programs out there like JMP with UCSF/UCB and CCLCM, while other schools allow you to get a masters in areas like biomed engineering.

I wanted to start a discussion on the merit of dual-science degree programs, why they would be useful, what advantages the additional degree can incur, and if its worth the additional year in medical school. Thoughts?

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[psychgirl95]

I'm interested in MD/MS (in biomedical engineering). Sure, it's an extra year of tuition, but then again some programs will provide you with a stipend during your "research year" so it may not end up costing you any extra.

In my case (a non-engineering major who wants to design and develop biomedical robots), I feel like the degree is necessary since I don't have a background in engineering. (However, I am planning on using my background in psychology and neuroscience in BME, for example, with neural engineering.) If I were attempting to pursue another degree, then I'm not sure if the extra year would be worth it.

 

[tbonez71]

I agree that BME certainly is different enough to warrant the extra year, especially if your looking at devices/robotics. Though i feel like it will be hard to match someone with a PhD (or years of experience) in engineering, like idk how useful it will be in terms of pushing me over the edge of R&D. I guess I don't know enough about the niche a doctor can play in these kinds of roles. Any experience with that?

I knew CCLCM was tutition free, but I hadn't heard about stipends before. It was one of my worries since these degrees get stupid expensive.

 

[drmantistobbogan]

CCLCM is a great option, especially if you have a focus on clinical/translational research. However, you do not walk away from the program with a Master's. There is an option to earn one, but I believe that it is an additional year on top of the extra year that you have done.

I have my eye on a couple programs that offer an MCR (Master's of Clinical Research). I debated heavily between that and an MD/PhD. It is only an additional year (5 years total) and you often can get funding for the extra year. From what I've found, it would potentially have more practicality if clinical research was your focus.

 

[tbonez71]

CCLCM is a great option, especially if you have a focus on clinical/translational research. However, you do not walk away from the program with a Master's. There is an option to earn one, but I believe that it is an additional year on top of the extra year that you have done.

I have my eye on a couple programs that offer an MCR (Master's of Clinical Research). I debated heavily between that and an MD/PhD. It is only an additional year (5 years total) and you often can get funding for the extra year. From what I've found, it would potentially have more practicality if clinical research was your focus.

So this whole time I thought the point of CCLCM's extra year was to earn the masters, as opposed to just developing your thesis. Luckily, it looks like you can incorporate the required classes into your curriculum, and so long as you satisfy the requirements for both degrees you can graduate MD/masters in the same 5 years. They have one in Biomedical Investigation which looks interesting. MD and Master's Degree Program | Lerner College of Medicine

What made you decide masters over PhD? This is something I struggled with for a long time too. Personally, what made me switch was talking to doctors that successfully ran their own labs with MD "only", and also learning that PhD was heavily focused on academia/becoming a PI. That's not necessarily what I want to do, at least.

 

[drmantistobbogan]

So this whole time I thought the point of CCLCM's extra year was to earn the masters, as opposed to just developing your thesis. Luckily, it looks like you can incorporate the required classes into your curriculum, and so long as you satisfy the requirements for both degrees you can graduate MD/masters in the same 5 years. They have one in Biomedical Investigation which looks interesting. MD and Master's Degree Program | Lerner College of Medicine

What made you decide masters over PhD? This is something I struggled with for a long time too. Personally, what made me switch was talking to doctors that successfully ran their own labs with MD "only", and also learning that PhD was heavily focused on academia/becoming a PI. That's not necessarily what I want to do, at least.

My age has a lot to do with it. Being a non-trad, it just doesn't make sense to do an additional 3+ years for the PhD when clinical practice is my focus.

 

[psychgirl95]

I agree that BME certainly is different enough to warrant the extra year, especially if your looking at devices/robotics. Though i feel like it will be hard to match someone with a PhD (or years of experience) in engineering, like idk how useful it will be in terms of pushing me over the edge of R&D. I guess I don't know enough about the niche a doctor can play in these kinds of roles. Any experience with that?

I knew CCLCM was tutition free, but I hadn't heard about stipends before. It was one of my worries since these degrees get stupid expensive.

I'm not really worried about it, because I don't really know how common PhDs are in engineering. (From what I can tell most people tend to pursue a masters instead of a PhD, although I could be wrong about this.) I'm not sure if I understand what you're asking about the role that doctors can play? I figure that having both a medical degree and engineering background could make one pretty competitive in the world of BME. Also, pursuing specializations/graduate certificates could potentially increase one's competitiveness.